Zephaniah 3: 14-20 – NRSV

So sing, Daughter Zion! Raise your voices, Israel! Daughter Jerusalem, be happy! celebrate! GOD has reversed his judgments against you and sent your enemies off chasing their tails. From now on, GOD is Israel’s king, in charge at the center. There’s nothing to fear from evil ever again! GOD Jerusalem will be told: “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your GOD is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. * * * “The accumulated sorrows of your exile will dissipate. I, your God, will get rid of them for you. You’ve carried those burdens long enough. At the same time, I’ll get rid of all those who’ve made your life miserable. I’ll heal the maimed; I’ll bring home the homeless. In the very countries where they were hated they will be venerated. On Judgment Day I’ll bring you back home—a great family gathering! You’ll be famous and honored all over the world. You’ll see it with your own eyes— all those painful partings turned into reunions!” GOD’s Promise.